The Ice Hockey Coach Newsletter

Small Area Games - Fourth edition

Author

Rachel & Jeff Flanagan
June 07, 2025

In partnership with

Impending Doom

The Pour Over believes the news can be a force for good, helping people find rest and comfort in Christ while spurring them on to action.

Instead of, you know… creating division and a feeling of impending doom.

Join 1 million+ Christians who receive TPO’s politically-neutral, anger-and-anxiety-free, Christ-first news coverage.

MUSINGS FROM THE BENCH

This week we have a fourth set of Small Area Games (SAG) focusing on 2v2 situations.

Small Area Game #1

2v2 Continuous Breakout Regroup

  1. Continuous 2v2 game in zone

  2. 2 offence trying to score while 2 defenders look to create turnover and move puck to their teammates waiting at the tops of circles

  3. Players waiting can slide laterally 

  4. On transition the players receiving the puck are the new offensive players and must regroup outside the blue line and attack again onside

  5. The previous offensive players are now defensive players

  6. Previous defensive players now out of the drill

  7. Next players in line now move into drill to support above the circles

Small Area Game #2

2v2 Double Support

  1. Drill sets up as shown. 

  2. NOTE: X/O 1 & 2 must remain in the designated area (green lines) - they can move to support as diagramed but cannot leave their designated space to join the play. Each stays tight to the wall/blue line.

  3. Concept: 2v2 Game with built in support players to create quick puck movement, puck support and multiple game-like situations for players to learn from.

  4. Play: C drops a puck for a face off to start drill.  Teams play 2v2 but use their support players (3 & 4) to create numerical advantages as they work the puck around to create scoring chances and ultimately score.

  5. Scoring: Game to 5; if a goal is scored on a back door play it counts as 2 goals.

  6.  No pass rule - straight game situation

  7. Rotation: (Each rep starts with a face off) On Cs whistle the support players become the next 2v2 skaters and the skaters go back into line.  Two players from each team jump on to the support positions for their respective teams. 2v2 players line up for a face off and play resumes on puck drop.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“There are times not to coach. The urge is to step in and show. Sometimes it’s better to let them make a mistake. Sometimes they learn more from the mistake than being told what to do.”

- Dennis Bergkamp

PERFORMANCE ARTICLE OF THE WEEK

On the Ice: A Recap of Mitch Giguere’s NHL Development Camp Experience | CoachThem

At CoachThem, we are always excited to share firsthand experiences and insights from our team members. In this blog, Mitch recounts his unforgettable journey at an NHL development camp, offering a unique glimpse into the drills and skills that shape future hockey stars.

coachthem.com/blog/on-the-ice-a-recap-of-mitch-gigueres-nhl-development-camp-experience

Don’t snooze on student loans

June is the sweet spot to start planning how you’ll cover what FAFSA doesn’t.

You’ve got time to compare options, talk it over with a co-signer, and find a private loan that actually fits your life.

Think beyond tuition—the right student loan can cover housing, meal plans, and even your laptop.

View Money’s best student loans list to find a lender, apply in as little as 3 minutes, and start the semester on the right foot.

Learn how to make AI work for you

AI won’t take your job, but a person using AI might. That’s why 1,000,000+ professionals read The Rundown AI – the free newsletter that keeps you updated on the latest AI news and teaches you how to use it in just 5 minutes a day.

Proud Partners

Click the links below to get your discount

Reply

or to participate.